A motto posted on the wall of King Island Dairy cheese shop says it all.
When the news came through that King Island Dairy was saved from closure, there were multiple businesses on the Bass Strait island which put up $500 each across the bar of the island’s hotel.
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The ecstatic response to the purchase by two mainland entrepreneurs told us several things about the event — the central role the dairy business plays in the economic life of the island of 1600 people, and the close nature of the community.
The previous owner, multi-national dairy processor Saputo, had threatened to shut down the century-old cheesemaker if they couldn’t find a buyer.
And they were about to do so early this year.
The King Island Dairy factory.
King Island Tourism president and businessman Adam Hely points out the award-winning dairy is the major employer on the island.
“There was a lot of anxiety about what would happen. Especially when you consider there are so many families relying on the business,” Adam said.
“There are so many people connected with the business.
“We just can’t afford to lose employment, and things like the numbers of kids enrolled in the schools.
“Most families have someone who is connected with the dairy.”
Two dairy farms are owned by the King Island Cheese business.
When island residents heard that Saputo couldn’t find a buyer, Adam said everyone felt dismayed.
“We could not believe that no-one was interested in it,” he said.
“When it went out for tender, there were 100 applications for documents.”
The island lies roughly between Victoria and Tasmania in the path of the roaring 40s and boasts Australia’s top golf course, according to Golfing Digest.
The 18 holes stretch around the magnificent coastline, and regularly attracts golfers from the mainland.
King Island Dairy products are sold in major Australian supermarkets.
Saputo announced last year that it intended to close its dairy factory in mid-2025.
But a last-minute offer by Australian businessmen, Nicholas Dobromilsky and Graeme Wilson in March, saw Saputo announce it had entered a binding agreement to sell the dairy.
“The sale includes the King Island Dairy facility and brand, the on-site cheese store and two local farms that provide a guaranteed milk supply,” Saputo said.
Saputo offered assurances to current staff, saying they would be offered to transfer their employment to the new owner.
One of the original King Island Dairy Products buildings is now for sale.
King Island Mayor Marcus Blackie said the historic King Island Dairy cheese company had been saved, but pointed out the company must pivot towards the future.
“The enthusiastic new owners will need to undertake significant reform, restructuring and market evolution, then relaunch the brand accordingly,” he said.
“I am confident that the council and all King Islanders will stand behind this necessary reform process and promote our born-again cheese company like never before.
“I strongly encourage the new owners to put the Australian flag back on our cheese products as a clarion call to the domestic and export markets that our legendary brand is back.
King Island has three dairy farms.
“Most didn’t think we could do it, but King Island as the underdog has again shown Australia what can be achieved by a courageous small country community.
“Blessed are the cheesemakers,” Marcus quoted from Monty Python’s Life of Brian.
“I sincerely congratulate the new Australian owners, we look forward to meeting them very soon.
“King Island Dairy has been foreign-owned for 25 years now ... it is great to see them return to Australian ownership.”
He said both the brands and facility needed an “entrepreneurial” revamp, to ensure the historic brand would continue well into the future.
